Green chilli price hits Tk400 per kg amid surge in vegetable costs

Vegetable prices have continued to climb in Dhaka’s retail markets, with green chilli reaching a record Tk400 per kg following recent heavy rains and supply disruptions.

A visit to Shewrapara and Taltala markets on Friday found green chilli selling at Tk300-Tk400 per kg, up sharply from Tk150-Tk200 a week earlier.

Prices of most vegetables also increased by Tk10-Tk30 per kg. Brinjal was selling for Tk120-Tk180, tomatoes Tk160-Tk200 and bitter gourd Tk100-Tk140 per kg. Pointed gourd, teasel gourd, spine gourd and ridge gourd were priced between Tk70 and Tk80 per kg, while onions rose to Tk60 per kg.

Chicken, meat, fish and eggs also remained expensive. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk180-Tk190 per kg, beef at Tk780-Tk800, mutton at Tk1,300 and a dozen eggs at around Tk150.

Traders attributed the price hike to crop damage caused by heavy rainfall and waterlogging in several parts of the country, which reduced supplies to wholesale markets.

“Supply has fallen to less than half of demand, pushing up prices,” said Delwar, a vegetable trader in Mirpur.

Consumers expressed frustration over the rising costs, saying most vegetables now sell for more than Tk100 per kg, making daily shopping increasingly difficult.

Market analysts said seasonal price increases during the monsoon are common, but the sharp rise in green chilli prices is unusual. They urged the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and market monitoring teams to strengthen oversight to prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation.